"We regret about the incident involving Bolivian President Evo Morales on his way back from Moscow. The incident is unacceptable and is in violation of the main principles of international law," EUROLAT Co-Presidents Jose Ignacio Salafranca Sanchez and Leonel Vasquezo Bucaro said in a declaration signed on Thursday in Vilnius.
They called for respect of all international principles, rules and standards and the development of a responsible dialogue among countries in order to restore trust.
"We declared this incident just unacceptable and in violation of international law. We love the Bolivian president, he is respected in Latin American countries. We are aware that apologies were sent through diplomatic channels over the incident, but that is a serious incident and in this case, it is important to ensure dialogue to avoid such violations of international law in the future," Bucaro told a press conference in Vilnius.
Representing the European Parliament, Spanish MEP and EUROLAT Co-President Salafranca Sanchez said that a responsible reaction was important in such cases.
"I do believe that a proper reaction to such incidents shows a responsible attitude to how such cases should be dealt with. Bolivia is our beloved and respected partner," he said.
In early July, several European countries refused to let Morales' plane enter their airspace as it was alleged that he is accompanied by US intelligence whistleblower Edward Snowden.
Bolivia as well as Venezuela and Nicaragua have offered to grant political asylum to Snowden after he leaked information to the media about the US large-scale spying program. He is now wanted by the United States.
